Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp

A few days ago, I was interviewed for NPR’s Here & Now, and the host asked me about my “aging journey.” I felt a little flustered—not because it was a bad question, but because I’m 50. And when people ask me about aging, my mind goes straight to older adulthood: 65, 75, 85, 95 and beyond. So my answer didn’t land the way I wanted it to. I left the interview thinking, I wish I’d said that diffe...

When someone is living with both dementia and PTSD, their needs are complex—but support is still possible, and it can make a world of difference. In this episode, I share what I’ve learned as a geropsychologist working with veterans and older adults navigating both cognitive impairment and trauma. You’ll discover: When trauma therapy can still be effective in the early stages of dementia. How deme...

Can Unresolved Trauma Increase Dementia Risk? Trauma doesn’t just leave emotional scars—it can change the brain. And when post-traumatic stress goes untreated, the risk for dementia later in life rises. In this episode of my mental health and dementia series, I explore how trauma and PTSD intersect with brain health. Drawing from decades of research and my years working with older veterans, I brea...

Last week, a therapist told me about her client, an 82-year-old woman who hadn’t had more than 6 hours of sleep in years. “It’s just part of getting older,” the woman sighed. But here’s the truth—fatigue isn’t a normal part of aging, and chronic sleep problems may be quietly raising her risk for dementia. As professionals, we can no longer shrug off insomnia in older adults. The stakes are simply...

If you’ve ever been told that “a little wine is good for you,” you might want to hear what the latest science says—especially when it comes to the aging brain. In this episode, I share compelling new research showing that even moderate alcohol use in midlife and later life may significantly increase the risk of dementia. I’ll walk you through why alcohol use in older adults often goes undetected,...

Anxiety increases dementia risk by 24% (about the same rate as diabetes) —but treatment for anxiety corrects this. Learn why early detection and treatment in older adults is critical to brain health. In this episode, I unpack the groundbreaking connection between anxiety and dementia. You’ll learn why anxiety is not a normal part of aging—and why your role as a therapist, social worker, psychologi...

The Hidden Link Between Depression and Dementia Every time I sit with a client and help them move through depression, I know I’m not just helping them feel better in the moment—I may also be protecting their brain years down the road. That’s not just a hope—it’s science. In this episode, I’m diving into the powerful link between mental health treatment and dementia prevention. So many therapists d...

If your 75-year-old client stops coming to therapy, it might not be them. It might be your approach. In this episode, I explore why therapy must evolve, just like people, with age. I share five powerful ways to evolve your practice to better serve older adults.  While many therapists are trained to work with adults in general, most graduate and continuing education programs focus on midlife or you...

Chronic pain increases the risk for depression and suicide.   The connection between chronic pain and depression is stronger—and more dangerous—than most professionals realize. In this powerful episode, Dr. Regina Koepp sits down with pain psychology expert, Dr. Jennifer Steiner, to uncover the complex and bidirectional relationship between chronic pain, depression, and suicide risk.   What You’ll...

Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it's personal, emotional, and deeply misunderstood. And when it comes to older adults, the pain often hides in plain sight. In this episode, I sit down with pain psychology expert, Dr. Jennifer Steiner, to explore the invisible impact of chronic pain and what every therapist must understand to truly help older adults living with it. You’ll walk away with a fre...

What do you do when your aging parent is being scammed—and keeps sending money even after you’ve begged them to stop? It’s heartbreaking. It’s infuriating. And it can leave you feeling powerless. If this is happening in your family, you’re not alone—and there is hope. In this episode, I unpack what’s really going on when an older adult falls victim to financial exploitation, why they often can’t s...

Depression is not a normal part of aging—yet it's silently stealing joy, independence, and even life from millions of older adults. Most go undiagnosed and untreated. Why? Because we mistake their suffering for “just getting older.” But here’s the truth: late-life depression is serious—and it’s highly treatable . In today’s episode, you’ll learn how to spot the signs, challenge the myths, and...

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a national movement for mental health and aging? In this inspiring behind-the-scenes episode, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing the heart, hustle, and healing that built the Center for Mental Health & Aging. You’ll hear where it all started—from working late nights with two small children at home to battling systemic bias in healthcare settings....

Loneliness is as harmful as smoking—and 43% of older adults experience loneliness. Social Isolation increases the risk of dementia 31%. The cure?  Connection and Belonging.  Are older adults really lonelier than young people? You might be surprised by the answer. In this episode of The Psychology of Aging , we uncover the complex truth about loneliness and isolation in older adults—and why their i...

Have you ever wondered what really happens after someone is scammed out of $25,000? Not only the steps to take after you've been scammed, but the psychological toll?  A couple weeks ago, I received an email from a listener asking for help—resources for older adults who’ve been financially exploited. That email sparked this episode, and I’m so glad it did.   Today, I’m taking you behind the sc...

The first sign I was experiencing vicarious trauma hit me like a ton of bricks. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and heal from the emotional impact of therapy. I am so glad that you're here and joining me for part two of Trauma-Informed Care with Older Adults . Today’s episode focuses on you —the professional in your role of providing care and services to older adults.   Whether you’re a heal...

Up to 90% of older adults have experienced trauma, yet their needs are often overlooked. Learn the essentials of trauma-informed care and how to foster healing and resilience. Trauma-informed care is essential for supporting older adults across healthcare, mental health, and social service settings. In this episode, we explore:  ✅ The difference between trauma treatment and Trauma Informed Care...

Did you know that 20-22% of older adults have a mental health condition like depression, anxiety, or substance use disorder—yet most go undetected and untreated? This isn’t because these conditions aren’t treatable, but because systemic barriers, misconceptions, and a lack of professional training make it harder for older adults to access the care they deserve. In today’s episode, we break down ba...

What if joy isn’t something we find, but something we create—especially in life’s hardest moments?   In this episode of The Psychology of Aging Podcast , award-winning journalist and bestselling author Steven Petrow returns to share insights from his newest book, The Joy You Make .   After experiencing profound loss—losing both parents, the end of a marriage, and supporting his sister through term...

Have you ever thought, “Older adults are just set in their ways” or “Therapy isn’t effective for older clients”? If so, this episode is for you. Today, we tackle the hidden biases that even seasoned mental health professionals may hold toward older adults. You’ll learn: What ageism is and how it manifests in mental health care. The impact of structural and individual ageism on mental and physical...

If you’re committed to meeting the mental health needs of older adults, this episode is for you. In 2024, we saw some incredible advancements in mental health research for older adults—insights that can shape how you practice and care for this underserved population. As a geropsychologist, I’m passionate about equipping you with the tools you need to make a difference. Let’s dive into 5 discoverie...

Imagine being 85 or 95 years old, surviving a natural disaster like wildfires, hurricanes, or earthquakes, and facing the immense challenge of grieving your losses while navigating emotional and psychological recovery.  Older adults often show remarkable resilience, but unique challenges like chronic health conditions, isolation, and cognitive vulnerabilities can complicate the recovery process. I...

There was a misleading headline from The New York Times recently that claimed ADHD diagnoses are surging among "older Americans." In this episode, I set the record straight by clarifying who qualifies as an "older adult" (65+), highlighting why mental health needs for older adults are so often overlooked, and explaining how systemic issues like ageism, stigma, and misdiagnosis...

Medicare now includes LPCs and LMFTs! Discover the new opportunities this presents for mental health professionals working with older adults. In this Psychology of Aging episode, we dive deep into the recent changes in Medicare policies that now allow Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) to enroll as Medicare providers. This landmark policy up...

Have you ever felt rejuvenated after a day spent outdoors, perhaps gardening or simply enjoying a walk in the woods? Recently, nature has been my much needed therapy,  and it’s transformed my approach to health and aging.   In today’s episode, I’ll share how my own journey into the world of gardening and nature began at a time when I needed it most—right as I turned 48 and was worn out from consta...